UPDATED TRIBUTES: Martin Redston, Chair of Brent Arts and an active citizen campaigner for heritage, libraries and justice

 

Martin Redston in high vis jacket protesting over redevelopment of Willesden Green library

 

I am sad to hear  via social media of the death of Martin Redston, a Brent man of many interests, totally involved in our community.  A model 'active citizen' who was terrier like in his campaigns for justice and afraid of no-one.  My condolences to family and friends.

Martin in Neasden Shopping Precinct with the Christmas lights he funded in the background

I bumped into him on several occasions recently and he told me about his illness and the poor outlook. Nevertheless he kept going and was at the last Brent Connects meeting where, ironically, he backed my request made via the chat, that  the meeting pay tribute to another veteran local local campaigner, Dilwyn Chambers. Now it is my turn to pay tribute to Martin.

 

Martin as actor

I am sure others will write about his involvement with Brent Arts, the Mad Hatters Theatre Club and other organisations but it is through the Keep Willesden Green campaign and later, his pursuit of Dominic Cummings that I best knew him.

Martin had his own civil engineering company, Redston Associates LINK

Martin was co-chair of Keep Willesden Green LINK, a campaign set up to fight the redevelopment of Willesden Green Library and the subsequent loss of the much-loved Willesden Bookshop, other amenities in the building, the open space  in front and the Victorian library. We also opposed the sale of public space behind the library for a private development of flats.

In  order to save the public space Martin launched a campaign to get it protected through designation as a Town Square.

That campaign, along with the effort to save the bookshop, was lost but the Victorian library was retained.

 

Martin's co-chair of Keep Willesden Green, Alex Colas said:   

Martin's tenacious campaign to register the area in front of the Willesden Green Library as a town square failed. But his David-like fight against the Goliath developers and their Council allies galvanised residents in saving our Library turret as a local landmark. It stands as a fitting  tribute to Martin's efforts on behalf of the local community.

 

 

Brent Arts said

Martin Redston, 1949-2022 , was long time chair of Brent Arts, a local charity.

Martin was a tireless campaigner for local causes such as saving the Old Library and the Queensbury Public House, both in Willesden where he lived.

He was a participant in art events including art shows held inside St.Catherine's Church, Neasden, community drama with Madhatters Theatre Club and the Kingsbury Operatic Society (KAOS).

On top of this he found time to sit on numerous local committees including the successful Neasden Festivals Group.

Any messages of sympathy to his wife Sheila and family can be sent to stablesinexile@gmail.com

 

His most recent high profile campaign was over Dominic Cummings breach of Covid regulations where he launched a crowdfunder to raise £30,000 for a jusicial reviw of the failure of the DPP to investigate Cummings' actions. On his crowdfunder page he wrote:

My name is Martin Redston and I am bringing judicial review proceedings against the Director of Public Prosecutions for his failure to properly consider the actions of Dominic Cummings, the chief advisor to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in relation to a potential breach of Regulation 6 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020/350.

I, like many other citizens, have fully complied with the Government’s lockdown requirements at all times. Despite the police and the public having been made aware of Mr. Cummings’ potential breaches of the rules since 22^nd May 2020, there has been no investigation into those potential breaches in London.

Why does this matter?

The rule of law should apply for all persons, irrespective of any friendships in government. The public health measures which were put in place to protect us must be applied to everyone, including in particular those who helped to make the rules. A number of individuals in public office who have flouted those strict rules have resigned. That provided some accountability for breach of the law by those who are central to the public health message and the need to encourage full compliance. In respect of Mr. Cummings, however, representatives of the Government have taken to social media in support of him. The Attorney-General has tweeted in support of Mr. Cummings’ actions. This raises a real concern over the state’s obligation properly and fairly to investigate the case of Mr Cummings where a law officer has prejudged it by issuing a peremptory statement that sought to exculpate Mr Cummings, without due process of the law.

Martin lived long enough to see echoes of that case in 10 Downing Street.

Martin was passionate abour righting injustices and not afraid to take risks in launching legal proceedings. Many of his campaigns have been reported on Wembley Matters. Here are a few links:

Speech at Muhammed Butt's first meeting as Council Leader regarding Willesden Green Library  (May 2012)

Reasons for Rejecting Willesden Green Library Plans  (June 2012)

Public Inquiry into registration of Willesden Green public space as Town Square  (December 2012)

Martin's comments on Public Inquiry report (February 2013)

Martin's comment on rejected of Town Square registration (March 2013)

Concern over the cutting down of apparently healthy trees by Brent Council (July 2014) 

 Martin launches campaign for judicial review of DPP's failure regarding Dominic Cummings  (June 2020)

Guardian report on Martin's campaign  (June 2020)

After refusal of case Martin says 'This isn't over yet' (November 2020)

Martin persists and ask for permisison to Appeal ther case  (November 2020)

'We can't give up now' (January 2021)

The most recent intervention I can find is about the Neasden Gyratory system just 5 months ago on Brent's Have Your Say site !

Redstone applies for permission to Appeal in Cummings case

 Martin Redston has circulated an update on the High Court case he is fighting concerning Dominic Cummings.

He says:

An application for permission to Appeal the decision of the High Court was lodged in the registry of the Court of Appeal on 9th November 2020.  

 

It has taken some courage on our part to go forward with this, particularly in view of the pushbacks to our case to date.  However,  our legal team believe there are solid grounds for appeal and that our case raises major issues of public importance, specifically:

 

- the role of the DPP

- adherence to the rule of law

- public confidence in the rule of law; and

- Seeking to ensure the DPP is free to make independent decisions without undue influence

 

I am profoundly grateful for all the support that has been given to date for the case and would very much hope that supporters agree that we should Appeal and will help us obtain further support to enable us to pursue this with vigour to achieve our ultimate goal.

 

Please share this with everyone you can.

The Pledge Page to fund the case is HERE

Martin Redston's application re Cummings 'the lockdown avoider' is Refused by High Court but he says, 'This isn't over yet'

Following the High Court decision to refuse Martin Redston's application in the DPP/Dominic Cummings case he made this statement:

Our Judicial Review application in the DPP/Cummings case in High Court today was Refused. I don’t know, and I don't think my legal  team know what to do yet,  until we get the Judges’ written reasons for the decision, later this week. Our  feeling is that the decision was already made before our Counsel got to his feet and we lost on a technicality. The main points being addressed outside the massive document submissions, centred on the DPPs duty and power using clear and unambiguous  arguments as to why the original High Court judge had previously been wrong in his written ruling..  

Michael Mansfield QC was brilliant, making our case and answering Judges’ questions for forty minutes. The opposing counsel for the DPP hardly said anything, just relying on the original submission in the High Court and the judge's original ruling.  Naturally we were disappointed with the result.

This hearing was in the Divisional Court presided over by an Appeal Court judge sitting with a High Court judge. There might be the possibility of an Appeal. However, I am still trying to consider if there is any way of taking action directly against Cummings,  now that we have established the principle that the DPP won't stand in our way and try to block us in the attempt.

The good news is that the Judge refused an application for the DPP to escalate their costs above the minimum appropriate to the actions to date.

Thanks to our diligent and valiant legal team. I am very grateful for the many hours late into the night and all the advice and support that they have provided over the months leading up to this hearing.

Finally, thanks to our supporters...this isn’t over yet and therefore any additional funds that we can raise will give us confidence to carry on until the lockdown avoider is brought to book.

 Donate HERE

Martin Redston wants a Judicial Review of DPP's failure to bring Dominic Cummings to account

Dominic Cummings running from Downing Street

Martin Redston, who many readers will know from the Save Willesden Green Library campaign has his sights on Dominic Cummings. Martin has launched a crowdfunder to finance legal action over the Director of Public Prosecutions' failure to hold Dominic Cummings to account. Cumming failed to comply with government instructions over Covid19. Martin is instructing well known QC Michael Mansfied.

Coverage of the move in the Guardian LINK

This is what Martin wrote on his fundraising page:

Who am I?

My name is Martin Redston and I am bringing judicial review proceedings against the Director of Public Prosecutions for his failure to properly consider the actions of Dominic Cummings, the chief advisor to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in relation to a potential breach of Regulation 6 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020/350.

I, like many other citizens, have fully complied with the Government’s lockdown requirements at all times. Despite the police and the public having been made aware of Mr. Cummings’ potential breaches of the rules since 22^nd May 2020, there has been no investigation into those potential breaches in London.

Why does this matter?

The rule of law should apply for all persons, irrespective of any friendships in government. The public health measures which were put in place to protect us must be applied to everyone, including in particular those who helped to make the rules. A number of individuals in public office who have flouted those strict rules have resigned. That provided some accountability for breach of the law by those who are central to the public health message and the need to encourage full compliance. In respect of Mr. Cummings, however, representatives of the Government have taken to social media in support of him. The Attorney-General has tweeted in support of Mr. Cummings’ actions. This raises a real concern over the state’s obligation properly and fairly to investigate the case of Mr Cummings where a law officer has prejudged it by issuing a peremptory statement that sought to exculpate Mr Cummings, without due process of the law.

Dominic Cummings left London on 27th March and travelled approximately 260 miles north to Durham in a car together with his wife and child. At the relevant time the law required all persons to remain at home save for limited prescribed purposes. The journey would take 5 hours or so, not allowing for breaks and stops on the way.

On the same day, 27th March, and before leaving London, Mr. Cummings had left work and gone home to see to his wife, and then returned to work in the afternoon, despite his wife exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19. Mr. Cummings subsequently, together with his wife and four year old child, also took an unnecessary car journey to Barnard’s Castle which, he has said, was in order to test his eyesight while driving, in preparation for a longer journey back to London.

Since these events three months has passed, and there has been no indication that any state authority, including the DPP, shall inquire into the matters relating to the London breaches. Indeed there have been some very quick indications that no inquiry would follow from the briefest of possible considerations by some state bodies. By 22^nd May it was known to the public and the police that Mr. Cummings had potentially breached the regulations. Since then there has been no due consideration of accountability for Mr. Cummings’ actions in London on 27^th March.

Ultimately Mr. Cummings then held a press conference on 25^th May ending with the following words: “I know the British people hate the idea of unfairness. I wanted to explain what I thought, what I did and why, over this period, because I think that people like me who helped to make the rules should be accountable for their actions.”

At that juncture police were already in possession of the fact that Mr. Cummings had left his house in London twice on 27^th March 2020.

I have instructed lawyers to assist me with this matter: Michael Mansfield QC, who is leading counsel Philip Rule, instructed by Lorna Hackett at Hackett & Dabbs LLP.

What are we trying to achieve?

Last Wednesday, 3rd June, my lawyers wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions expressing concern that no action had been taken in relation to the alleged breaches by this public figure in London. This inaction may result in the loss of additional evidence which could otherwise be gathered by prompt investigation. This in turn could lead to the serious loss of public confidence in the accountability of government employees. There is a current public health emergency, and I am alarmed at the inactivity over the actions of Mr. Cummings which could be contributing to breaches of the lockdown rules at a time when this will cost lives.

Despite setting a deadline for substantive reply that has now passed, the only response was by email on 8th June 2020 wherein the DPP notified my lawyers that “This has now been passed to colleagues in our Special Crime Division, who will provide a response to you in due course.” This reply does not suggest that any investigation has been instigated, otherwise they would have said so.

When further urgent confirmation was sought that there was any active consideration taking place, it was met by silence. We, the public, must be at the forefront of the seeking of a just process in this case to restore public confidence.

What you can do to help

We need to raise £30,000 as an initial target to enable the case to proceed. Please do contribute whatever you can to ensure that the DPP complies with his legal obligations and share as far and wide as you can on social media to enable me to meet the target needed to lodge proceedings in court. I am deeply grateful to you for reading my crowd funding page. Thank you.

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/investigatedominiccummings/